SXSW 2026 sci-fi thriller “Imposters,” from first-time feature director Caleb Phillips, is out for U.S. distribution with Brainstorm Media, which plans to release the film theatrically in early 2027.
The cast is led by Jessica Rothe (“River”), Barnett (“Russian Doll”) and Vazquez (“Severance”). Phillips also wrote the screenplay. His short film “The Other Side of the Box” won awards at SXSW and BiFan.
In the movie, a couple’s son is kidnapped and his distraught mother finds a way to get him back. However, her husband begins to suspect that what she is bringing home is not their child.
The US deal is one of a series of deals signed by British sales and distribution company Blue Finch Films ahead of the American Film Market.
Vortex acquired Canada, while Umbrella Entertainment acquired Australia and New Zealand. In Europe, the film went to Tiberius for Germany, VOD Factory for France, A Contracorriente Films for Spain, Vendetta Filmes for Portugal, Plaion for Italy and PremiereTV for the Benelux. Red Castle Group has CIS regions and Media4Fun has Poland.
Further afield, Particular Crowd acquired Latin America, Falcon Films acquired the Middle East and North Africa, and BookMyShow acquired India. Penny Black has airline rights. Blue Finch will be handling the film’s release in the UK and Ireland.
Thomas Bond and Sara Seligman produced Broken Pig Productions’ first feature film, “Imposters.” It was produced by Joe Bandelli of Marylous’ Boys, whose credits include the “Hell House LLC” series.
Since its Austin debut, the film has traveled to Beyond Fest, Chicago, BiFan, Edinburgh Film Festival and Sitges, among other stops.
Founded in 1995, Brainstorm is an independent distributor that pairs theatrical releases with campaigns aimed at specific audiences. The series’ latest lineup includes sci-fi horror “Affection” starring Rothe, Melanie Lynskey’s legal drama “Pike River” and Marisa Tomei’s romantic comedy “You’re Dating a Narcissist.” The company also released Lili Reinhart’s tech thriller “American Sweatshop,” the black comedy “Psycho Therapy” starring Steve Buscemi, Britt Lower and John Magaro, and the Edie Falco vehicle “I’ll Be Right There.”
Blue Finch’s international lineup also includes Tribeca horror selection “Recluse,” “Kick On,” which was selected for Toronto’s Midnight Madness installment, and BBC Film-backed George MacKay starrer “Mission.”